What does 5G mean?

As ZD rolls out its 5G network, you may be wondering what it all really means. What does 5G stand for? What does 5G mean for consumers? What is possible now that 5G is available?

What does 5G stand for?

5G is the fifth generation of cellular networks, and it is expected to be one of the fastest wireless technologies ever created. (This is not to be confused with the 5G that you may see on your Wi-Fi router, which is referring to 5 GHz frequency for your internet network.)

5G wireless technology means that you’ll have quicker downloads (imagine downloading a 4K movie in seconds rather than minutes) and huge impacts on how you work and play.

Consider how you use mobile devices on 4G networks today: keeping up with friends and family members via social media, calls and text. You use video conferencing to connect remote coworkers. You play games and stream movies and TV shows. With Verizon 5G, you can expect to be able to do everything you could do with 4G, but faster. Verizon 5G can also enable new technological capabilities that were not feasible on the traditional 4G network.

What 5G means for people, communities and the planet

5G technology can increase accessibility for all people via connected appliances, autonomous vehicles, and other remote applications. Autonomous vehicles are expected to be able to communicate with each other and read live map and traffic data over 5G. Remote surgery will be possible over 5G, with the availability of nearly instantaneous data and analysis. In addition, 5G brings the potential to remotely operate robots, enabling a user to feel and touch through a machine thousands of miles away.

5G is important for these reasons as well as for creating smart cities. One example of this is video content analytics. Over a 5G network, transportation systems should be able to evaluate traffic and crowd flow as well as to determine where to situate public safety personnel during high-density events. In addition, 5G can allow for minute-by-minute map updates to constantly-changing cities. New construction consistently changes the layout of a city, and these live updates over 5G can help people more easily navigate changing cityscapes.

The arrival of 5G technology also means potential for a healthier planet and global equality. Verizon chairman and CEO Hans Vestberg recently spoke at the United Nations General Assembly and explained that “5G has the potential to reduce up to 90% of our current power consumption.” This would have a significant impact on climate change. 5G could also help promote clean energy by helping to modernize the electrical grid across the country, leading to more efficiency through renewable energy.

While 5G literally means fifth generation, 5G technology also means a new future for the world. Thanks to its potential for speed and usage capacity, 5G will help usher in the Fourth Industrial Revolution through improved business and metropolitan collaboration, real-time decision making and more efficient energy consumption, in addition to the fast connections it will allow between individuals.